RMH to present free colon health seminar March 21
RMH will present a free seminar, “Keep Your Colon Healthy,” from 6-8 p.m. March 21 in the hospital’s lower level conference rooms.
RMH medical experts will address colon health and colon cancer prevention, particularly the importance of a colonoscopy screening. Read more
HealthGrades ranks RMH among best in nation
HealthGrades, the nation’s leading healthcare quality ratings company, has named RMH a recipient of the Coronary Intervention Excellence Award for 2012, ranking RMH among the top 10 percent of the nation’s hospitals.
HealthGrades has also ranked RMH as number one in Virginia for coronary interventional procedures as well as number one in Virginia, and among the top 10 percent in the nation, for cardiology services for the second consecutive year. Read more
RMH youth tobacco prevention program awarded $179K grant
The Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth has awarded a $178,770 grant to the Strong Families/Great Youth Coalition’s Toward No Tobacco program to support and expand tobacco prevention classes for middle school students.
TNT is a two-week evidence-based tobacco prevention class taught to seventh-graders in Harrisonburg, Rockingham County and Augusta County by RMH respiratory therapist Ron Cople. Read more
RMH named a Best Regional Hospital by U.S. News & World Report
RMH has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Regional Hospital.
In late January, the magazine listed 247 hospitals located in areas with populations less than 500,000 as Best Regional Hospitals. To be considered a Best Regional Hospital, the organization must rank in the top 25 percent of all hospitals in at least one of 16 categories. RMH ranked among the top 25 percent in two areas: pulmonary care and ears, nose and throat care. Read more
RMH-Rockingham methane project featured by Chevrolet
The RMH-Rockingham County methane gas partnership is one of six environmental sustainability projects around the nation currently being featured by Chevrolet on its website and in its social media.
RMH partnered with Rockingham County to channel methane gas produced by landfill waste to the new hospital to use as energy. RMH is one of the first hospitals in the country to do this, according to Dennis Coffman, director, Facilities Planning at RMH. Because of the project’s uniqueness, Chevrolet selected it as a carbon-reduction project in the U.S. in which to invest, according to Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Global Marketing and Strategy. Read more
Springbrook Family Medicine joins RMH Medical Group
Springbrook Family Medicine of Broadway has joined the RMH Medical Group.
“This new arrangement allows Springbrook’s dedicated family practitioners to focus on providing care while RMH assumes responsibility for billing, staffing and other administrative needs,” said Dave DeCeault, executive director, RMH Medical Group.
Practitioners include Mark Mast, MD, Jordan Hill, DO, and Gary Corder, PA-C.
Dr. Mast graduated from the Medical College of Virginia and is board certified in family practice. He joined the RMH Medical Staff in 2001. Dr. Hill graduated from the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine and is board certified in family practice. He joined the RMH Medical Staff in 2010.
Physician assistant Gary Corder, PA-C, specializes in chronic disease management.
“Our office has made the decision to partner with RMH to ensure continual, uninterrupted access to essential medical services,” Dr. Mast noted. “However, our location will not change and patients will continue to see the same friendly staff.”
Office hours at RMH Springbrook Family Medicine are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. New patients are welcome. The office numbers remain the same at 540-896-5400 (phone) and 540-896-9923 (fax).
RMH Springbrook Family Medicine is located at 173 East Springbrook Road, Broadway, Va.
RMH offers tips for beating heat stroke
As temperatures rise to dangerous heights, RMH reminds community residents to protect themselves against heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency, and to seek help from local resources that are available for the elderly and at risk.
Heat stroke is a condition that develops rapidly and requires immediate medical treatment. The elderly, infants, persons on certain types of medications and those who work outdoors are most susceptible to heat stroke.
“Our bodies produce internal heat and we normally cool ourselves by sweating and radiating heat through the skin,” said Tomer Feldman, MD, Emergency Department. “However, in certain circumstances, such as extreme heat, high humidity or vigorous activity in the sun, this cooling system may begin to fail, allowing heat to build up to dangerous levels.”
Common symptoms of heat stroke include headache; dizziness; disorientation, agitation or confusion; sluggishness or fatigue; seizure; hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty; a high body temperature; loss of consciousness; rapid heartbeat; or hallucinations.
“The symptoms of a heat stroke may resemble other medical conditions or problems,” Dr. Feldman said. “Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.”
It is important for the person to be treated immediately, as heat stroke can cause permanent damage or death, Dr. Feldman said. However, there are some immediate first-aid measures you can take while waiting for help to arrive:
- Get the person indoors.
- Remove clothing and gently apply cool water to the skin. Fan to stimulate sweating
- Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits.
- Have the person lie down in a cool area with their feet slightly elevated.
Take the following precautions to help prevent the adverse effects of heat stroke:
- Drink plenty of fluids—especially water and sports drinks—during outdoor activities. Avoid caffeinated tea, coffee, soda, and alcohol, which can lead to dehydration.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in light colors.
- Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day.
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat and sunglasses.
- During outdoor activities, take frequent drink breaks and mist yourself with a spray bottle to avoid becoming overheated.
- Try to spend as much time indoors as possible on very hot and humid days.
The Valley Program for Aging (VPA) monitors seniors, homebound and low-income individuals at risk of heat stroke through its Meals on Wheels program, and can facilitate an application to the Department of Social Services Cooling Assistance Program, said VPA director Cathie Galvin. If necessary, the Department of Social Services may make provisions for immediate assistance for those who qualify, Galvin said.
For more information, contact Carolyn Harlow at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Department of Social Services, 540.574.5145. The Cooling Assistance Program runs June 15-Aug. 15.
